Often when we think of the “Kingdom of Israel” we connect that title with King David who ruled the “12 tribes of Israel” (named after the 12 sons of Jacob – also called Israel) from the throne set in Jerusalem. The kingdom was comprised of an area that presently approximates modern Israel and the other Levantine territories including much of western Jordan, and western Syria. We know that David was followed by his son King Solomon. The kingdom lasted about 100 years. Based on what happened next, most scholars refer to the “Kingdom of Israel and Judah” as the entity over which David and Solomon ruled. Continue reading
Conversion of the heart
1
Back in the day when I was working in the world and spending way too much time on airplanes accumulating way too many frequent-flyer miles, it seemed to me business travelers did three things on longer flights: sleep, work, or read Stephen’ Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The book argues that one should align universal and timeless principles with one’s values. Covey sees principles as external natural laws, while values remain internal and subjective. Covey asserts that values govern people’s behavior, but principles ultimately determine the consequences. If sales volume is measure of the usefulness of this self-help book, then 25+ million copies sold says something. Maybe there are some possibilities for a parallel book about the best practices and habits for Catholics. Might be a Lenten best seller! 
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday (March 18) I woke up with a full day of ministry awaiting. Lots of people calling, emailing – all asking “Are we going to shutdown? Will the Bishop suspend Masses. What’s going to happen now?” Today I awake wondering what I will do with all the time on my hands. Not that there aren’t a lot of things to do, but the rhythm of the day is changed. Changed dramatically. What a difference a day makes. 
At 4:30 pm this evening, of the 177 archdiocese/diocese in the United States, all but 21 had already suspended public masses. I serve in the Diocese of St. Petersburg which is one of the 21. I suspect that tomorrow will be my last public Mass for sometime. That is sad in many respects. I am always called to remember 
In today 
I was looking ahead on the parish calendar to see what the month of March would bring apart from the celebration of Lent. It was then I came across a simple marker “Mother’s passing.” It was four years ago now – hard to believe that much time has passed since my mom passed away. But that is the way of things as one grows older oneself; loved one are lost and time passes at an ever-increasing rate.
From today 
From today 
friarmusings 